We have been forewarned about the new voices for the new age. Now here they are. The Crowns and Oranges: Works by Young Philippine Poets published by Anvil. It’s now available even in National Bookstore-Naga. It’s edited by Cirilo Bautista and Ken Ishikawa.  And it includes three of my poems. Hear them or be late and sorry!

Local languages in the regions are also official languages as per the 1987 Constitution. For the purposes of instruction and communication, the official languages of the country are Filipino, and until otherwise provided by law, English. And for the same purposes, local languages shall serve as auxiliary medium (Art. 14 Sec. 6-7 of the 1987 Constitution).

Yes, auxiliary medium, but only for the purposes of instruction and communication, particularly in the academe and government subdivisions. However, as literary medium our local languages may also be construed as occupying the privileged space of being official. Likewise, literary culture is part of custom which is deemed to be not contrary to morals, law and public policy, hence countenanced by the Courts when proven as fact (Arts. 11-12 RA 386). Our country also has a prevailing policy in support of ethnicity for the framework of national unity (Art. 2 Sec. 21 of the 1987 Constitution).

Perhaps the above provisions are only in recognition of the country’s being multi-cultural and multi-lingual. Literary pursuits in the regions involving ethnicity as in the search for local aesthetics is very much lawful. In fact, when in contact with foreign states our policy shall always be for the right to self-determination (Art. 2 Sec. 7 of the 1987 Constitution). What more when we deal with fellow Filipinos under the context of nationhood?

Tomorrow, we shall be awarding prizes to some Bikolnon writers during the Bikolinismo and Premio Tomas Arejola. The more exciting part of the event is not really the awards night itself, but the opportunity of Bikol writers to gather right after the awards rites and exchange thoughts about the state of Bikol literature and its direction. And this writer is lucky enough to be part of the awards night as the book “Pagsasatubuanan: Poetikang Bikolnon” will be conferred this year’s Premio Bibiano Sabino para sa Librong Bikolnon.

The people must know that our pursuits are official in nature, and not mere auxiliary or hobby. Publishing our works and giving them prizes are just some of the ways to assert this fact. This is a happy realization for this blogger as I dig out the writer’s place under the province of our fundamental law and statutes. Literary culture is a sound custom and countenanced by law. Culture is law, as the latter is supposed to be shaped, if not influenced by the former.

Our poets are legislators too. Younger poets invoke the elder ones. Poetics is law, and if in the proper context, poems can articulate culture and native wisdom which in turn are very much suited to be a rich source of legislation and law.

Earlier, I blogged about the need for the National Book Awards to open itself up for books published in Philippine languages other than Tagalog/Filipino. Of late, more and more books are coming out from the provinces written in their respective local languages. As I said, I am not so keen on awards, but then with the NBA existing, I think these titles ought to have a place in the roster.

Here in Bicol, there is a new category in the Premio Tomas para sa Literaturang Bikolnon seeking to recognize Bikol books that contributed much to Bikolnon letters. It is open for book authors, editors and illustrators for titles distributed from September 2007 to September 2009. It is the Premio Bibiano Sabino para sa Librong Bikolnon.

Being part and parcel of the PTPLB, the Premio Sabino awarding will be alongside the regular categories. This year, it will also coincide with the Bikolinismo Awards. The winner will be conferred a citation plus a modest cash prize. I only pray that this Bikol book award will continue from this year onward to be Bicol’s counterpart for the National Book Award.

Needless to say, this September is Bikol Literature Month. Some of the Bikolinismo awardees are giving lectures on their craft just so they could make the most of their visit in the City of Naga. Dr. Zeus Salazar, on the 30^th, 9am at the Museo de Caceres, will talk about an archeological find, a jar cover/lid that could explicate the historicity of the Ibalong. Foremost screen writer Ricardo Lee, on the 29^th, 8am at the UNC-IMC, will give a lecture on the screenplay. He will likewise launch his latest novel, Para Kay B.

With all this writers around, I think Kabulig-Bikol should take advantage of their presence and arrange even an informal meeting or gathering right after the awarding ceremonies on Tuesday.

Two stories for children, three essays, four short stories, one 1-act play and eleven collections of poetry are in contention for top honors in the 6^th Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon.

This was announced by Carlos Arejola, chairman of the Bicol-wide literary competition widely regarded in the literary circle as the region’s premiere literary prize.

Cited in the stories for children are: “Kun Tanu Maharang an Lada” by Owen del Castillo of Pilar, Sorsogon and “A-HU-HO, A-HE-HE (o an Kolor kan Buhay ni Koroy Sa Apat na Osipon) by Estelito Jacob of Camaligan, Camarines Sur.

The finalists for the essay category are: “Pagiromdum” by Eden Enano-Estopace of P. Ocampo St., Manila, “Buhay Riles” by Eilyn L. Nidea Parocha of Ragay, Camarines Sur and “Seminarista” by Owen del Castillo.

The eleven collections of poetry cited this year are: “Parokyano kan Tinampo” by Jerome M. Hipolito of Calabanga, Camarines Sur;  “Insomya” by Owen del Castillo of Pilar, Sorsogon;  “Sa Lugar na Dinakulaan” by Alex Michael S. Boribor of Pioduran, Albay; “Muklat” by Rodel Delera Añosa of Aroroy, Masbate; “Pisaran asin Iba pang mga Rawitdawit” by Leopoldo C. Brizuela, Jr. of Ligao City; “An mga Para-lagaylay asin pang mga Rawitdawit” by Irvin Parco Sto Tomas of Canaman, Camarines Sur; “Sa hubasan, nagprobar akong magsurat” by Eduardo Endraca Uy, Jr. of Gubat, Sorsogon; “Naglakaw ako” by Welbert Cipria of Tabaco City; “Apat na Tigsik sa Tabaco Buda Iba Pang mga Rawitdawit” by Richard Madrilejos of Tabaco City; “Paglabto sa Pagtubod” by Honesto M. Pesimo, Jr. of Naga City; and “Hamot kan Narumdon” by Jaime Jesus U. Borlagdan of Tabaco City.

Cited in the short story category are: “Ligñon Hill” by Rodel Delera Añosa of Aroroy, Masbate; “Kaldero-Kawali, Buhay an Nahale” by Alex Michael S. Boribor of Pioduran, Albay; “Dolores” by Owen del Castillo of Pilar, Sorsogon; and “Pagsarado” by Jaime Jesus U. Borlagdan of Tabaco City.

Only one 1-act play, “Sa Minundagan Sana: Pasirip sa Que Lugar Este kan Dayo ni Jimple” by Richard Madrilejos of Tabaco City, is cited by the Premio Arejola this year.

The said literary works will be honored on September 29, this year at the Conference Hall of the Avenue Square in Naga City at an awards rite which shall also honor the first recipients of the Bikolinismo Outstanding Bikolano Artists search.

The best entries, to be named in the said event, will receive P5,000 and the PTALB medallion. The grand prize shall then be chosen from among the category winners and shall be conferred the title Writer of the Year, and receive P10,000 and the Naga City Jaycees Parasurat kan Taon trophy. The cash prize and trophy is courtesy of the Naga City currently headed by Mark Enrile.

Also to be honored are the finalists of the Rawitdawit para ki Ina, a special poetry category for elementary and high school students, namely: “Pagkamoot kan Sarong Ina” by Sean Marben P. Guinoo and “Pagtubod. Pagkamoot. Pag-omaw” by Grechil Angela L. Ayen, both of St. Louise de Marillac School of Pili; “Bulos kan Pagtubod” by Ailyn B. Caringal and “Pag-omaw ki Ina” by Flerida Ann G. Deniega, both of Ragay National Agricultural & Fisheries School; “Peñafrancia Fiesta” by Kimberly Anne F. Tolop, “An Ika-Tersentenaryong Milagro kan Inang  Peñafrancia” by Khim Joseph R. Naval, and “Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia an Pangaran Niya” by John Paul A. Bacsain, all of Pili National High School.

First handed out last year, the winner of the Rawitdawit para ki Ina category receives cash and prizes worth 3,000 and a medallion designed by Marianne Olaño of Baycrafts, a Naga-based outfit and trademark.

The two other major prizes to be handed out are the Premio Bibiano Sabino para sa Librong Bikolnon and the PTALB Lifetime Achievement Award.

I have launched my first book on Bikol poetics published through a grant from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts-National Committee on Literary Arts (NCCA-NCLA). I think this book is important because it is the first ouvre on Bikol poetic aesthetics written in the Bikol language. So that non-Bikols could understand its gist and purpose, I saw it fit to write the foreword in English.

As they say:

“Chancoco’s book enlightens us on important aspects of Bikol poetics. It is a great contribution to Philippine literary scholarship.”
–Dr. Cirilo F. Bautista, Philippine Panorama

“We could not fault Chancoco’s craftmanship”
–Dr. Leoncio P. Deriada, Homelife Magazine

“Jose Jason L. Chancoco’s pioneering and scholarly work, Pagsasatubuanan: Poetikang Bikolnon, is a koh-i-noor in the canon of Bikol poetics and literary criticism. A rare achievement!
–Santiago Villafania, Dalityapi Unpoemed

“An “Pagsasatubuanan” ni Chancoco sarong pagtukar kan Bikolnon na poetika sa paaging strukturalista-pormalista, sa paaging ini, an libro minakapot kan tropeo bilang enot na pagrurip sa pagrarawitdawit sa Bikol.”
–Victor Dennis Nierva, Vox Bikol

“Creating his own devices to articulate terminologies in Bicol translation, Chancoco uses Bicol in its formal form, proving that studies and researches can be articulated in the native language.”
–Juan Escandor, Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer

Copies of the book are available (PhP250 only) at Museo de Caceres (inside the Holy Rosary Minor seminary), Kulturang Bikolnon (first level of the CBD Hotel Building) and Basilica Souvenir Shop (Basilica Compound) in Naga City. Orders may also be placed by sending an E-mail to tarusan22(at)yahoo(dot)com or via SMS to 09199470406 and copies will be sent by courier.

August 15 at the Avenue Square was my first ever book launch but I was not nervous at all. I had company, a woman of course (can’t live without them), and the other seven writers and two visual artists who participated. Surely, it was a feast of the written word.

Actually, the “Pagbungsod” was just a part of “Gira nin Panahon”, an arts and culture project of Development Institute of Bicolano Artists Foundation, Inc. (DIBA). It features not only literary arts, but also the visual arts. In fact during the launch, there was an art exhibit at the second level of the venue.

The “Pagbungsod” will also be brought to other areas in the region. In fact, an Iriga leg is already being cooked up by poet Frank Penones, who by the way, announced during the launch that this writer will be conferred the Sumagang Award (for literary arts). The said distinction is the highest that the City of Iriga could ever give to Iriguenos who made a great mark in their chosen field of endeavor.  With due respect to Manoy Frank, my nominator, I really had the gut feel as early as early, from the time he texted me a congratulatory message, that the award will not really be given to me. Of course the mere fact that he announced it at the Avenue Square before Naga City public officials, educators, media, writers and artists; he must have been assured by the Sumagang committee of my winning. Being a writer of great repute, he must have had verifiable basis.

Alas! My ‘literary clairvoyance’ did not fail me. It was just a foul-up after all, in other words ‘kuryente’. Manoy Frank sent me an email saying he was not sure if the Sumagang committee was not able to defend their recommendation of me or if it was the committee itself that changed its mind and scrapped my name off the list before sending it to Mayor Madel for approval. According to the rules set by the Sumagang Awards, only nominees screened by the committee will be sent to the Mayor for approval. This way, we could prevent the Caparas-Alvarez Case of inserting a “nominee” at the approval level of the contest while the same “nominee” did not undergo the screening process set by the committee. In essence, a shortcut.

The Sumagang committee has the discretion as to who it will recommend for the award. Heck, it even has the power to change its mind to the detriment of those who construed its decision as final. The Mayor also has the power to reject a recommended nominee. The trick is the formal letter because it contains the official information (but lest we forget that Manoy Frank is the PIO of Iriga City Hall). Also, I think, nominees and nominators have no cause of action against the committee and the Mayor, hence they cannot complain, protest or even file suit in a quo warranto proceeding since they are just that, nominees and nominators (Cuyegkeng vs. Cruz, July 26, 1960) and I think, the same rule applies even to the National Artist Awards.

I am not bent on discussing this issue here by virtue of delicadeza. I am the nominee after-all. But surely, I did not nominate myself, this I can say. Manoy Frank, in his own volition took up the initiative and asked for my writer’s archive. But since the “Pagbungsod” crowd of civil and intelligent citizens were duly informed of my supposed conferment of the Sumagang, I see it fit that things be clarified here. But surely, I hold that Manoy Frank was in good faith on account of his eagerness to congratulate a bard-brother.

It is painful for us Iriguenos of course. This could be construed as something similar to the dagdag-bawas National Artist. Frank Penones will not make those pronouncements in public if he were not sure of it. Anyway, I am not so keen on awards. Specially those tainted with irregularities. As writers, we all work hard to build a good by-line. I for one, will not allow mine  to be besmirched just because of the Sumagang. Also, I maintain that poets are immortal, superior to politicians and more sublime than human accolade. In such that awards don’t honor us, we are the ones who give prestige to the awards.

Bikol literature is arguably populated by Irigueno writers and poets. This is something that Iriga-LGU must learn to recognize and accept, lest they only expose their ignorance.

Naga City—August 15, 2009 will be a date to remember in Bicol’s literary history as Bikol writers release five books and a literary magazine. Dubbed as “An Pagbungsod” it will be held 6PM at the alfresco area of the Avenue Square in Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City.

The grand launch will feature “Yudi Man: Mga Osipon para ki Nunuy asin ki Nini,” a collection of short-stories for children by Premio Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon winners as edited by Carlos A. Arejola and Lorna A. Billanes, and illustrated by Boyet Abrenica; “Pagsasatubuanan: Poetikang Bikolnon,” a book of literary criticism on Bikol poetics by Jose Jason L. Chancoco; “Tigsik,” a compilation of tigsik(s), a Bikol ethnic poetic form by Aida B. Cirujales; “Sayod Kong Tataramon/Tuwiran Kong Sasabihin,” a collection of stage and screenplays by Carlos A. Arejola; “Bagyo sa Oktubre,” a collection poems in Filipino by Honesto M. Pesimo, Jr.; and “Bangraw kan Arte, Literatura asin Kultura,” a Bikol literary magazine edited by Estelito Jacob, Jun Pesimo and Marissa R. Casillan with Manny Salak as lay-out artist.  All of the titles are published by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and printed by the Goldprint Publishing House.

Carlos A. Arejola has been called the poster boy of Bikol Lit. in lecture circuits. He convenes an annual Bikol writers’ workshop, chairs a region-wide literary competition, and has, along with other stout-hearted Bikol artists, initiated other projects to win wider adherence for Bikol writings. His drama and poetry have won the Palanca Awards and other national literary prizes. He works for the Camarines Sur Provincial Capitol.

Lorna A. Billanes edits, translates, and teaches language and literature at Miriam College in Quezon City. Her fiction has won prizes from the Amelia Lapeña-Bonifacio Literary Awards and the PBBY Salanga Wrters’ Prize. She holds an M.A. degree in Creative Writing from UP Diliman where she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English Studies. She co-edits Yudi Man Mga Osipon para ki Nunuy asin ki Nini with Carlos Arejola.

Jose Jason L. Chancoco has won national awards and fellowships for his poetry, essay and fiction in English, Filipino, Bikol Naga and Iriganon. He won two gold medallions in a single year (2005,for stories for children and 1-act play for children categories) in the Tomas Arejola para sa Literaturang Bikolnon, a feat so far unduplicated. He is currently pursuing a law degree.

Tigsik Queen Aida B. Cirujales teaches at the Gainza Central School and was a finalist in the rawitdawit (poetry) category of the Premio Arejola in 2007.

Honesto M. Pesimo, Jr. has won national awards for his poetry and was cited in the rawitdawit category of the Premio Arejola in 2004 and 2007. He teaches at the Concepcion Pequeña High School and Mariners’ Polytechnic College.

Estelito Jacob, Jun Pesimo and Marissa Reorizo-Casillan co-edits Bangraw kan Arte, Literatura asin Kultura. Issa Casillan was the gold medallion winner of the osipon (fiction) category of the Premio Arejola in 2007. Esting Jacob is an award-winning poet and fictionist and is an avid painter.  Apart from his poetry prizes, Jun Pesimo is an award-winning photographer.

Boyet Abrenica is one of the region’s most notable young visual artists today. He has designed literary titles and books of history and is the art director of Biggs Food Corporation.

Manny Salak is a senior graphic designer of Goldprint Publishing House. He was a finalist in the 25^th National Shell Painting Competition.

The grand launch is in coordination with the Development Institute of Bicolano Artists Foundation, Inc., Premio Tomas para sa Literaturang Bikolnon, Kabulig-Bikol and the Avenue Plaza Hotel. The Naga College Foundation Cultural Arts Center will render performances during the launch. Noted Bikol writer and scholar H. Francisco V. Penones will be the keynote speaker.

SOON TO BE LAUNCHED